Unity Bank Empowers 1,000 Women in Tech
By Patience Ikpeme
Unity Bank Plc has joined forces with tech platform SkillPaddy to launch the “Count Her In” programme.
It is an ambitious initiative aimed at empowering 1,000 women with software engineering skills.
This partnership aligns with the International Women’s Day 2024’s theme, #InspireInclusion, and reflects Unity Bank’s commitment to promoting diversity and gender equality within the tech industry.
The programme tackles the underrepresentation of women in tech, where globally they comprise only 33% of the workforce. “Count Her In” seeks to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive software development training to 1,000 female beneficiaries. In addition to technical expertise, the programme will equip participants with essential life skills like critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and innovation. Mentorship and resources will also be provided to support their success in the field.
Unity Bank in a statement said its commitment extends beyond this initiative. As part of their International Women’s Day activities, the bank said it will “fully sponsor 40 young girls in the programme”. This initiative builds on their existing partnership with AltSchool Africa, another programme focused on sponsoring female students in software development training.
Mrs. Tomi Somefun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc, emphasized the programme’s significance. “We are proud to partner with SkillPaddy to contribute to the training and empowerment of 1,000 female software engineers,” she stated. “This is not just about investing in the future of these talented women, but also driving innovation and diversity within the tech industry. By providing access to skills training and mentorship, we aim to unlock opportunities and create a more inclusive and thriving digital economy for all.”
This partnership between Unity Bank and SkillPaddy has the potential to significantly impact the landscape of Nigeria’s tech sector. By equipping women with the necessary skills and fostering their inclusion, the programme can contribute to a more vibrant and diverse tech workforce.
